What is your opinion about praying? How often should we pray? Should we pray? After all God supposedly knows our thoughts - so why pray?
The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians in Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
So why pray?
The Apostle James said “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Imagine sitting and having coffee with a close friend, a spouse or someone you meet with regularly. If they asked you “What’s happening in your life?” - what would you tell them? That’s how prayer works with God.
You can pray to God, or Jesus Christ, or The Holy Spirit. They all hear your prayers.
As James said, we should pray “according to God’s will.” So what is God’s will? Most of it is laid out in the Bible. It’s pretty clear.
Jesus said the Bible is summed up in two simple commands - “Love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as much as ourselves.” (Mark 12:30, 31) That’s God’s will.
I suck at praying. I pray, yet I think I could pray more. There are things I’ve learned about praying; sometimes God has another plan, and it helps me t0 than and care for others - and love them. I build a relationship with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Praying is constant, or it should be. We should keep praying for that thing until we feel God has answered it.
God loves to hear from us and He loves a relationship. Praying builds a close relationship with God. Praying makes Him seem real, close and you can feel him watching over you. Praying grows an awareness of God.
Praying is just conversation. Journaling is written prayers. The Psalms can be read as prayers. As you read the Psalms, you’ll see complaining, fear, anger and thankfulness. The emotions are all over the place.
Praying solidifies plans, thoughts and strategies and builds confidence and faith.
I imagine the Apostle Paul when he said to Timothy - “I thank God as I always mention you in my prayers, day and night. I serve him, doing what I know is right as my ancestors did.” (2 Timothy 1:3 NCV) Paul was a praying man.
I hope I pray and just keep praying like Paul. It benefits me and it honors God, Christ and The Holy Spirit.
LORD, help me pray more and keep in touch with you. I need you every day, all the time and appreciate you hearing and answering my prayers. IJNIP amen ♥️
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